Welcome to our blog post where we share the inspiring message of His Holiness Pope Francis to His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch and the participants of the XVII Inter-Christian Symposium. This symposium, hosted by the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality and the Department of Theology at the University of Thessaloniki, will take place in Trani from 28 to 30 August 2024.
In his message, the Pope commends the organizers for fostering collaboration between Catholics and Orthodox, a tradition that has blossomed into a beautiful partnership. The theme of the symposium, “What is man?” in the time of anthropological mutation, reflects on the profound changes in human identity and society.
Message from His Holiness
To Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity
Greetings to all esteemed speakers and participants of the 17th Inter-Christian Symposium. This unique gathering, a joint effort between Catholics and Orthodox, explores the challenges of anthropological transformation in our modern world.
The ongoing revolution in information technology, artificial intelligence, and scientific advancements calls for a deep introspection on human identity and purpose. This symposium aims to ignite meaningful discussions on these crucial topics.
Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of Christian unity in addressing these challenges. Regardless of theological differences, all Christians are called to defend the inherent dignity of every human being, created by God and destined for a relationship with Him.
As we delve into these profound questions, let us seek the guidance of Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim and offer our prayers for the success of the symposium. May the Lord bless all participants and inspire them to uphold the sacred value of human dignity.
Join us in prayer as we embark on this journey of reflection and communion at the 17th Inter-Christian Symposium. Together, let us uphold the sacredness of human life and strive for unity in Christ.
May this symposium be a beacon of hope and understanding in a world undergoing profound changes. Let us draw strength from our shared faith and commitment to building a more compassionate and just society.
Thank you for joining us in this important dialogue. Let us continue to pray for wisdom and guidance as we navigate the complexities of our time.
Until next time,
Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 28 August 2024
